Monday, 27 February 2017

Books To Educate And Empower Your Children from Empowering Resources, and a Giveaway!!Empowering Resources is a company that specialise in publishing stories that nurture, educate, and empower children.I was recently sent the books available in their range, and was impressed with the powerful messages in each story..You're Different Jemima by Jedidah Morley

Jemima is loud, and she loves to dance and sing. But her classmates and teacher think that she is 'too different'. Then one day, a substitute teacher named Mrs Chuckles comes to teach Jemima's class, and she helps Jemima discover that her differences are what make her so special.This picture book celebrates every child's individuality and makes them feel special about the differences they have to others. (Read on to see how you can win your very own copy!)A Secret Safe To Tell by Naomi Hunter

This story encourages children to share any confusing or hurtful feelings that they may be going through.It centres around a young girl who has been mistreated by an older male. She is initially afraid to discuss her feelings with anyone, but eventually confides in someone she trusts, and she begins to heal.Even Mummy Cries by Naomi Hunter

Even Mummy Cries is a great book to show children that parents also experience sadness and bad days, and it reassures the child that they aren't responsible for these moments. It reinforces unconditional love and gently explains that everyone goes through tough times.Just Like Molly by Pippa Dowling

This is a very sweet story about a little girl who has an imaginary friend named Molly. They play together, and spend a lot of time together. But one day, Molly is nowhere to be found, and the little girl is devastated. But she soon discovers that there are other friends she can play with - all it takes is a bit of courage.

Running From The Tiger by Aleesah Darlison

When 11 year-old Ebony meets Teena, they become friends and over time, they learn how to trust each other with their darkest secrets. This story focuses on friendship and trust, with themes of domestic violence and courage entwined throughout, and demonstrates the importance of having somebody to confide in.

And with thanks to Empowering Resources, I have 3 copies of You're Different Jemima to give away!!

Three different winners will each get a copy valued at $17 each, so get entering!

How can you win?

Firstly, you MUST be a follower of my blog (either by liking my Facebook page/twitter/Instagram, or following via email or bloglovin' - I don't mind which one you opt for but you must do at least one please), and

Answer in the comments section below:

Who would you like to share/read this book with, and why?

**Get creative, and please include your email with your answer so I can contact you if you're the lucky winner!**

Terms & Conditions:

1. This giveaway is open to residents of Australia only.

2. Giveaway closes on 13th March, 10 pm; winner will be contacted via email within 48 hours. Failure to receive a response from the winner will mean the prize is forfeited and a new winner will be chosen.

3. Winners will be selected on a basis of skill, not chance - the most creative and/or interesting answers deemed by the judge/s wins

4. The prize is not redeemable for cash.

5. In The Good Books Blog will not be responsible for any prize that goes missing through Australia Post.

6. This promotion is not associated or endorsed by Facebook.

7. Those who 'unlike' or 'unfollow' after the giveaway ends will be disqualified from entering future giveaways.

Thursday, 23 February 2017

Teaching Children About Grief:A Book Review of The Fix-It Man by Dimity Powell.

It's an unfortunate fact of life that children often begin to learn about loss and grief from an early age, and it can difficult for parents and carers to know how to handle it.The Fix-It Man is a lovely picture book that offers a gentle way for adults to discuss loss, love, and grief with their child.The story focuses on a young girl who has a sick mother, and believes that her father can fix everything. But sadly, when her mother passes away, she realises that mending a broken heart isn't a simple thing to do. Together with her dad, she finds a way to cope with their loss.I read this book to my two younger daughters and they (and I) were so touched by it. We had a discussion afterwards about the story, and I answered questions that they both had about losing a loved one. They both loved the illustrations (the book is illustrated by Nicky Johnston), and went back over the pages as we were having our talk.I think that this is a fantastic book for those wanting to help teach their child about loss. The book is available next month through Exisle Publishing here

Monday, 20 February 2017

In keeping with the theme from the #LifeThisWeek link up, (thanks to Denyse for hosting!) I thought I'd feature the book, Our Dog Benji.

It is an adorable children's book that is released this month through Exisle Publishing.

Benji is an adventurous dog who is much loved by his owners. Like most dogs, he has an insatiable appetite and loves to eat all types of foods (and even things that aren't food!)

Benji's child owner isn't as daring when it comes to trying new foods, but over the course of the story, we discover how Benji's eagerness to eat anything from bones to bugs helps to encourage his young owner to try more foods.

My youngest daughter and I read this story together and she loved Benji's antics.

Our Dog Benji is written by Pete Carter and illustrated by James Henderson, (the duotone illustrations are wonderful and very detailed), and it is a great story for young readers. It retails for $19.99 and is available from http://www.ekbooks.org/

Also, there's still a few more days to enter my Hippo Blue giveaway worth $75! here

Saturday, 11 February 2017

Hippo Blue ABC Jungle Adventures Giveaway!!

I've featured Hippo Blue on the blog before, but in case you aren't familiar with the name, Hippo Blue is a 100% Australian owned company that sells a range of personalised items including bags, stationery, and labels.

They also have two personalised children's books, 'The Adventures You'll Have', and the recently released 'The ABC Jungle Adventure', as well as activity books, puzzles, and cards.

Story Books:

The beautiful story books have been written and illustrated by Brett Curzon.

Your child is the main character, and as the story unfolds, he/she is introduced to a range of characters that accompany your child on their adventure.

What I love about these books is that they are able to be personalised with family/friends/classmates names for every letter of the alphabet!

The story is told in rhyming verse, and the illustrations are vibrant and whimsical.

Also, there are added details that will entertain your child for longer; for example, your child can look for a little hidden spider on every page as they are taken on their journey through the jungle.

Activity Books:

The activity books are ideal when travelling or when you are out and about. Containing 32 pages of awesome educational activities, including hand-writing practice, as well as a sticker sheet, this book will surely delight and entertain your child!

Matching Cards:

The cards allow your child to learn their ABC's whilst playing a fun match-up game. The cards are larger than standard-sized cards, which makes them great for little hands, and they are printed on premium card stock with a plastic coating for added durability.

Hippo Blue have kindly offered some products from The ABC Jungle Adventure range to give away to one of my readers, valued at $75!!

The prize includes:

1 x ABC Jungle Adventure Storybook

1 x ABC Jungle Adventure Activity Book

1 x ABC Jungle Adventures Card Game

(you will be able to personalise these items for your child!) plus free postage.

So, how can you win?

Firstly, you MUST be a follower of my blog (either by liking my Facebook page/twitter/Instagram, or following via email or bloglovin' - I don't mind which one you opt for but you must do at least one please), and

Answer in the comments section below:

What is your (or your child's) favourite jungle animal, and why?

**Get creative, and please include your email with your answer so I can contact you if you're the lucky winner!**

Terms & Conditions:

1. This giveaway is open to residents of Australia only.

2. Giveaway closes on 24th February, 10 pm; winner will be contacted via email within 48 hours. Failure to receive a response from the winner will mean the prize is forfeited and a new winner will be chosen.

3. Winner will be selected on a basis of skill, not chance - the most creative and/or interesting answer deemed by the judge/s wins

4. The prize is not redeemable for cash.

5. In The Good Books Blog will not be responsible for any prize that goes missing through Australia Post.

6. This promotion is not associated or endorsed by Facebook.

7. Those who 'unlike' or 'unfollow' after the giveaway ends will be disqualified from entering future giveaways.

8. The total prize pool value is $75 plus free postage. The winner will be issued with a voucher code to redeem the items through the Hippo Blue website.

Disclosure: I was given a voucher code redeemable for the items listed above to give away to one reader. I have not been paid for this review. All opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

Thursday, 9 February 2017

Book Review: The House Of New Beginnings by Lucy Diamond

I'm so fortunate that I was given the opportunity to review this book before it's release.The House Of New Beginnings by Lucy Diamond is such a touching and uplifting novel, and I loved it!Located on the Brighton seafront is Number 11, Princes Square. Although it may appear to just be a home, to the tenants, it is a place of hope and new opportunities.The newest resident is Georgie Taylor, who is in a committed, long-term relationship with her partner Simon.The couple have made a temporary sea-change to Brighton for Simon's work as an architect.Her days are long and uninteresting, so she is thrilled when she lands a job as a journalist for an agony aunt column, but things go pear-shaped pretty quickly.Rosa is 35 years old, and has an unsatisfying job as a sous chef in a local restaurant. She moved into the apartment block after her relationship went downhill after a dreadful revelation. She is finding it to difficult to get over the hurt that she's been through, and is frustrated that her dreams may never become reality.The tenant in Flat 4 is Charlotte Winters. She works in a law firm, and is very lonely and depressed. She is 38 years old, divorced, and experienced an extremely unfortunate tragedy which she is trying to overcome. In Flat 5, Margot Favager is an elderly French woman who has been a resident at Princes Square for 20 years. She is carefree and has a positive outlook on life, even though it has dealt her the cruelest blow.And finally, Jo is a nurse on a cancer ward. She is divorced, and lives with her teenage daughter, Bea, whom she adores.Initially, these people are virtually strangers to each other; a hurried 'hello' here or there as they bustle about their days is as far as their relationships extend.But circumstances see the residents finding each other and coming together, and once they do, beautiful friendships are formed.With the support of one another, and belief in themselves, they begin to find happiness and hope again.This book is wonderful. I've continued to think about it days after I've finished it. It made me cry, and it made me smile and laugh too.It made me think about how others may be feeling, and the brave faces we put on at times in our life when things are difficult.The novel is just under 500 pages, and it is perfectly paced. Lucy Diamond gives the characters such depth and individuality. We find out about their past, their present, and their desires for the future. I was so moved by each of them, especially Charlotte. There is a very important, beautiful message that gets bought to our attention in this book. It is the importance of having or being a supportive person to someone. We all have our heavy loads to carry, but with support, care or just a kind word, that load can get lighter. If I had to pinpoint one minuscule criticism, it would be that the ending felt a little bit 'too perfect', but I still wouldn't change it. After all, I do love a happy ending!I would highly recommend this book, especially for those people that have ever felt as though they have lost their way in life. Or for those who just love a fantastic read!Disclosure: I was given a copy of The House Of New Beginnings through Pan Macmillan Australia. All opinions are my own, and are not influenced in any way. I was not paid for this review.

Monday, 6 February 2017

Book Review: The May Beetles - My First Twenty Years by Baba Schwarz

Last year I watched a program on the ABC about a woman named Baba Schwartz, who is a survivor of the Holocaust. This dear elderly lady had me captivated as she was being interviewed, and when I heard that she was releasing a biography titled The May Beetles, I knew I had to read it.

I have recently finished it, and thought it was a gripping read.

The book is based on the first twenty years of Baba's life. We learn about her innocent childhood - the school she attended, the games she liked to play, as well as the friends she had.

A safe and happy time for her in a small Hungarian town, growing up in a loving Jewish family.

But in 1944, Baba's world was turned upside down when the Germans transported 3000 Jews from their town of Nyirbator to Auschwitz, including Baba and her family - her mother Boeske, father Gyula, and her two sisters, Marta and Erna.

The way in which Baba describes her ordeal is told with such heart and sincerity.

Being almost starved to death and stripped of all dignity in several concentration camps alongside her mother and sisters, I simply couldn't believe how she fought on in the direst of circumstances.The things that she had to witness and undertake were mortifying. But Baba is a woman of hope and courage, and her positivity leaps at you from the pages.The book also includes photos of Baba, her family, and her friends, as well as archived Nazi documents.

I would highly recommend that you read this emotion-filled story about this truly inspirational woman.

Wednesday, 1 February 2017

Lighthouse Girl by Dianne Wolfer

This week, my eldest daughter begins secondary school! (And yes, I may cry!)As part of her English studies, she will be reading two texts; one of them being Lighthouse Girl.It is written by Australian author Dianne Wolfer, and is illustrated by the very talented artist Brian Simmonds. The story centres around a girl named Fay, who lives on Breaksea Island, in the year 1914 when war is declared.Fay knows many things - how to shoot rabbits, how morse code works, and she even knows about marine life. However, it isn't until Fay begins writing to a soldier named Charlie that she realises that she doesn't know much about friendships, and nor has she ever had a friend to lose..The book is based on fact, and is a great introduction to Australian history, not only for students, but for readers of any age. It has lovely sepia photos throughout the novel, as well as expressive charcoal drawings. It is published by Fremantle Press. For further information, head here. What book will your child be studying this year? Or do you recall what books you studied at school? I'd love to hear from you! Also, there's still a few days left to enter my giveaway. You can do that here. Good luck!!

About Me

Hi and welcome to my blog!
My name is Michelle. I'm a busy mum to three beautiful girls, and I really love reading! I also enjoy volunteering at my local library, cooking, nature, and shopping. This blog is mainly about books (and about things that are currently in my good books too!) - reviews and giveaways included.
I'm so glad to have you along!